Apple iOS 7 made its mark in design, but iOS 8 (free) is all about the user. New features and improved navigation, you'll simply have a better experience using your iPhone and iPad. With version 8, Apple continues to extend iOS's reach, as the new functionality isn't just about what you can do on your phone or tablet.

'It's also about how iOS devices communicate with one another and Mac computers. It's about how your whole family can now share an iTunes account, with one person managing permissions for other family members to buy apps, music, books, and movies. It's about how easily you can communicate with other people." writes Jill Duffy over at PCMag.com

iOS 8 brings functionality that users have been craving for some time, improved navigation, and subtle design changes to an already solid mobile operating system. Here are just a few things we came across:

Interactive notifications allow you to manage emails, calendar notifications, text messages, and third party apps right from the screen you’re in. Swipe up to dismiss a notification or swipe down to interact with it.

Mail

Updates to the Mail app include easy swipes to the right to mark an email as unread, or to the left to move or flag the email or archive/trash it.

Also, your phone will recognize reservation information, flight confirmations, and phone numbers, and give you an option to quickly add them to your calendar.

HealthKit app

Important health information is now available right from your lock screen.

You can edit your Health Dashboard to show what’s important to you–steps, calories burned, sleep, fiber and protein intake, and much, much more.

More third-party apps will connect with the HealthKit app, so more to come.

In the HealthKit app, you’ll also be able to make your health information available to your doctor.Keyboard.

Let us know your thoughts, do you agree that iOS 8 is packed with useful features? Or are you concerned that some of the changes, such as how iCloud Drive works, and the elimination of the Camera Roll, may be confusing for some users?